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Health bill defeat in House of Lords

09/02/12

The government has lost a vote in the House of Lords on the Health and Social Care Bill.

An amendment to the bill has been backed by peers, demanding that mental health is made a higher priority than was outlined in the original Health and Social Care Bill, by a margin of four votes.

Several other amendments were also debated but no others were voted on. Other amendments that discussed the powers and responsibilities of the health secretary were also mentioned, as it appears confidence in Andrew Lansley is dwindling.

Several medical professionals have come out in opposition to the health bill, including the British Medical Association and Royal College of Nursing. The Labour party is also against the proposed changes, along with several Liberal Democrats and other independent peers.

Prime Minister David Cameron stands by the controversial legislation, but Labour leader Ed Miliband said that it is a “complete disaster”. In Prime Minister’s question time, Mr Miliband told Mr Cameron “You know, in your heart of hearts, this is a complete disaster, this bill”.

The Government has offered over 100 concessions in an effort to get the bill passed – and several peers from across the political spectrum have proposed their own amendments.

Labour’s Lord Patel, who suggested this amendment, says that mental health care must be treated as importantly as physical care and it was consequently passed by 244 votes to 240.

The Health and Social Care Bill has had a difficult journey so far, with it being paused in spring 2011 following opposition from MPs and peers, along with Labour warning about fears over privatisation. Next, a “listening exercise” followed where some changes were made, then the bill was passed through the House of Commons.

Reports have also been made that Downing Street also want to axe Health Secretary Andrew Lansley for mishandling the Health Bill, but these have been denied.